Odisha Braces for Chilly Nights as Temperatures Dip Sharply
Winter has firmly established its grip across the state, with the latest Odisha weather update revealing a significant drop in night temperatures. Data released by the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar for December 20th confirms that dry weather prevailed across all districts, but the biting cold is now the primary concern for residents, especially in the interior and hilly regions.
Record Lows in the Hill Stations
The most intense cold was recorded in the highlands. G. Udayagiri emerged as the coldest spot in the state, with the mercury plunging to a freezing 4.6°C. Not far behind, Phulbani recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8°C, which is 2.6 degrees below the usual seasonal average. Other areas like Similiguda also saw sharp dips, reaching 5.1°C.
Fog Disrupts Visibility
Beyond the cold, thick fog has started to impact daily life. Rourkela experienced "Dense Fog" today, with visibility dropping between 50 and 200 meters. Meanwhile, moderate fog was reported in Jharsuguda, Phulbani, and Bhawanipatna. Travelers in Baripada also encountered shallow fog during the early morning hours.
Temperature Trends in Major Cities
In the plains, Paralakhemundi recorded the highest maximum temperature at 29.2°C, showing a stark contrast between day and night conditions. For the twin cities:
Most stations reported a negative departure from normal temperatures, indicating that this winter spell is colder than previous years. Angul saw a significant departure of -4.5°C, bringing its minimum down to just 9°C. Residents are advised to stay warm as these dry, chilly conditions are expected to persist over the coming days.
